Rakuten.com launches rewards program

New York -- Japanese online giant Rakuten has teamed up with First Bankcard to launch the Rakuten Rewards MasterCard Program, which provides cardholders with reward points for using their credit card to shop on Rakuten.com and elsewhere.

Rakuten.com, formerly Buy.com, is Rakuten's U.S. marketplace, offering consumers more than 17 million products at everyday low prices from a network of small and large business shop owners.

The new Rakuten Rewards MasterCard Program will be integrated with the existing Rakuten Super Points Loyalty Program to provide additional points to cardholders for both qualifying purchases on Rakuten.com and on qualifying purchases everywhere else MasterCard is accepted. In addition, customers who are instantly approved will be able to complete their purchases with their new Rakuten Rewards MasterCard the same day they apply.

"First Bankcard has a very personalized approach, and it was very evident to us that they have a commitment to their customers. Given Rakuten's own customer-centric methodology, it seemed to offer a perfect fit for our new U.S. credit card program as we seek to build a larger presence in the U.S. market and further drive our digital retail business," said Masatada 'Seichu' Kobayashi, CEO, Rakuten.com.

Kobayashi added that the company has seen tremendous synergy between its marketplace and credit card businesses in Japan, “where Rakuten credit card users have been found to enjoy shopping with us 52% more frequently and spend 38% more than other customers."

According to Stephen Eulie, president of First Bankcard, the new credit card program underscores First Bankcard's commitment to provide value-added business solutions to its customers.

"We're dedicated to creating possibilities that will help our partners grow their businesses and drive customer loyalty, whether it's in their local communities or worldwide," Eulie said. "Rakuten has a strong international brand, and we're excited to help support its growth in the United States."

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